I was stopped in a parking lot by a gentleman who told me, in no uncertain terms, that he thought the ZDX was the “most beautiful car ever built.”  It’s definitely striking; Acura’s family face suits the big, sharp-edged design.  Of course, opinions will vary–Acura’s family face is also very polarizing, and folks either love it or detest it.  Me?  I like it, but then it’s funny-looking, so you probably knew I would.


The ZDX itself is a vehicle that’s apt to inspire debate, for that matter.  This new-for-2010 Acura is a highly-evolved, high-tech…well, what is it?  By the numbers, it’s a tall coupe-sedan, an ultra-modern luxury crossover that offers more utility than a similar sedan can.  The ZDX features all of the usual Acura goodies:  high-tech appointments, superb handling and cutting edge style.  In the metal, it doesn’t really look like anything else.  It doesn’t feel much like anything else, either.

Extreme angles are the dominant theme here, from the sharp-beaked grille and narrow headlamps to the dramatically tapered rear section that lacks cargo-area windows.  Honda calls the ZDX a “four-door sports coupe” and it’s styled with that in mind.  The fenders are arched to emphasize the wheels, and at the rear the shape of the tailgate echoes that of the five-pointed grille.   The ZDX is a four-door, but the rear door handles are cleverly hidden in the rear-door trim.  The exaggerated styling has the effect of masking the ZDX’ size–it’s not until you climb in that you realize how large this vehicle is.  The ZDX is longer, lower and wider than the average crossover, but in photos it looks like a compact car.


The interior’s superbly comfortable, and a great place to work.  Soft-touch leather is used on the door pulls, console and armrests.  The dash and console look like they’ve been pulled from the RL flagship, thanks to hand-stitched leather, and a neat black-panel display blanks out the radio controls when the sound system is turned off, providing a more uncluttered view.  LED lighting is used to set the mood at night, while during the day the standard full-length panoramic sunroof brings the sunlight in, should yo choose.  A multi-position console is designed to hold small objects or large ones out of sight.  Rear-seat headroom looks like it’s scanty, but it really isn’t.  Just don’t impale yourself on the door on the way in.    Standard equipment includes a power tailgate, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod-capable sound system.  Opt for the Technology package, and Acura adds a backup camera, navigation system, and an upgraded sound system.

The cargo area is squared off and looks small at first glance, but removable panels provide small-object storage on both sides, or can be removed to carry longer cargo.  There’s also a bit more storage under the floor.  Fold down the rear seats, and the ZDX will haul about 55 cubic feet of cargo.

The parking-lot ZDX fan added that he wished “it had 500 horsepower.”  After a couple of days with the car, I had to agree with him.  The 4500-pound ZDX is powered by a 300 horsepower SOHC 3.7 liter V6, and unfortunately that’s not quite enough grunt.  Acceleration is leisurely, even with variable valve timing, a dual-stage induction system and an electronic throttle to optimize power delivery.  The sluggish acceleration doesn’t have a good-economy upside, either; the ZDX is only good for about 16 city/23 freeway fuel economy.  That’s not terrible for a vehicle of this size, but it doesn’t go as far as you might hope, either.  Throttle response is satisfying, and the six-speed paddle-shifted automatic provides nice, crisp downshifts, but it just doesn’t seem to have as much power as it wants to, and certainly not enough to fulfil the promise of the Batmobile-like exterior.

Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is standard, and it keeps the ZDX well-mannered when the road gets twisty.  The fully independent suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, and is available with the new Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) which enables the driver to select suspension settings and response.  The IDS suspension system works by actively adjusting the damping of the electronically-controlled magnetic shocks, and there’s a noticeable difference between the Sport and Comfort settings.  The ZDX was more prone to tramlining in Sport mode, so on Michigan’s wavy freeways I was happier with it in the Comfort position.   Turn on the Sport mode, and the ZDX’ nineteen-inch, Michelin-shod wheels provide decent grip in fast turns; it feels heavy, but tracks as well as Acura’s sedans do.

To take the driving experience to the next level, Acura offers the Advance Package, which adds a blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigating emergency braking.

The ZDX is definitely unique, and it works quite well.  It’s hard to be a dazzling, groundbreaking vehicle and still remain useful, and the newest Acura manages to do just that.  It’s comfortable to drive, useful enough to drive every day–and it looks cool enough to get the attention of random people in parking lots.  What more could you ask for?  ZDX pricing starts at $45,495.  The Technology Package adds $1500 to the bottom line, while the Advance Package takes the MSRP to $56,045.

All specs are for the 2010 Acura ZDX
Length:  192.4 in.
Width:  85.6 in.
Height:      62.8 in.
Wheelbase:  108.3 in.
Curb weight:   4462 lb.
Cargo space:   26.3 cu.ft. (seats up); 55.8 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:  $45,495
Price as tested:  $56,905
Engine:   3.7 liter SOHC V6
Drivetrain:  six-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:  300 @ 6300
Torque:  270 @ 4500
Fuel capacity:  21 gal.
Est. mileage:   16/23